DFA warns Pinoys vs traveling to Ethiopia

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has advised Filipinos to defer travel to Ethiopia amid “continued and intensifying conflict” between Ethiopian troops and Tigray forces.

“The DFA is advising all Filipinos not to travel to Ethiopia at this time due to ongoing conflict in Tigray and other neighboring regions. Filipinos who are in the country where alert level 4 is in effect are advised to restrict nonessential movements, avoid public places and immediately prepare for evacuation,” the DFA said in a statement.

On alert level 4, the government conducts mandatory evacuation of Filipinos.

There are around 800 Filipinos in Ethiopia as of December 2020. Last week, Ethiopia declared a state of emergency as Tigray forces approached Addis Ababa, the nation’s capital.

Filipinos who need assistance may contact the Philippine Embassy in Cairo, Egypt, at (+202) 25213062, or via its Facebook Page or the Philippine Honorary Consul in Addis Ababa via email [email protected] or at (+251) 118648752. —Julie M. Aurelio